Japanese Arms Export Ban

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The easing of arms restriction happened during Shinzo Abe's second term as prime minister.

The Japanese Arms Export Ban, known as the Three Arms Exports Ban,[1] was a de facto law that governed Japanese export of military hardware outside of the country.[2] The export ban was eased by Shinzo Abe during his second term as prime minister.

The basis of the ban was the Three Principles on Arms Exports (Japanese: 武器輸出三原則, romanized: Buki-yushi-yutsusangensoku) adopted by the National Diet of Japan in 1967 dealing with situations in which arms could not be exported from Japan.[3] The three principles were that arms exports were not allowed to go to:[3]

  1. Communist bloc countries
  2. Countries under arms exports embargo under United Nations Security Council resolutions
  3. Countries involved in or likely to be involved in international conflicts

History

After World War II

After the end of World War II, Japan exported some Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Truck (Kyū) jeeps as part of war reparations to the Philippines[4] and to South Vietnam.[5]

Vietnam war

As it had done during the Korean War in the 1950s, during the Vietnam War in the 1960s, Japan sold a large amount of materials to American forces. In 1966, it was reported by the Xinhua News Agency that up to 92% of the napalm being used in Vietnam was manufactured in Japan, and Nippon Yushi Corporation in Aichi prefecture was the suspected manufacturer.[6] The company denied it was producing napalm, but the secretary-general of the plant's union stated that "almost anyone" could produce napalm using the chemicals produced by the company.[6]

Mainichi Shimbun found no proof that napalm bombs were being produced in Japan, but in 1966 the United States did ask for 4,000 Korean War-era napalm bombs at a former US Air Force base to be handed back.[7]

Tightening of restrictions

In 1976, the government of Japan announced that arms exports not restricted by the three principles would also be restrained.[3] Aside from some technology transfers to the United States, Japan banned all arms exports. However, after the Japan Air Self-Defense Force retired their Lockheed F-104J/DJ Starfighter aircraft, thirty-six of them were provided to the Taiwanese Air Force.[8][9][10][11][12]

Exceptions

Maritime Patrol Boat Exports

Tokyo has granted exceptions for exporting Japanese-made patrol boats. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified its case by providing ODA assistance to Indonesia for securing the Strait of Malacca in June 2003 and February 2004.[13] As these boats were made with bulletproof material, it falls under military vessels under the Export Trade Control Ordinance.[13] An agreement with Jakarta was necessary to ensure that the boats will not be exported to another country and the boats will be used for anti-piracy and law enforcement scenarios.[13] Three patrol boats were made by Sumidagawa Shipyard for the Indonesian National Police's National Police Water Unit.[14] In 2009, a maritime radar system and additional patrol boats were sold to Jakarta.[15]

Other ODA grants were also done with the construction of patrol boats made by Sumidagawa Shipyard for Djibouti, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.[16]

Bor incident

South Korean soldiers in Bor, South Sudan were aided by JGSDF soldiers deployed to South Sudan as part of UNMISS when ammunition supplies were exhausted during an attack from December 19 to 22, 2013.[17] During a National Security Council meeting, they ruled that JGSDF forces should provide ammunition to their South Korean counterparts.[17] This aid was a "Contribution in Kind" scenario[18] which went unused and was returned.[19]

Loosening of restrictions

JS Seiryū
Kawasaki P-1

On April 1, 2014, the total ban on arms exports was ended by the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe[20][21] under the Three Principles on Arms Exports to the Three Principles on Defense Equipment Transfers (Japanese: 防衛装備移転三原則, romanized: Bōei-sōbi-iten-sangensoku)[22] according to the guidelines of the National Security Strategy adopted on December 17, 2013.[23]

Following this, Japan made moves to sell Sōryū-class submarines to Australia[24][25] and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to the United Kingdom and New Zealand,[26][27] but these attempts were not successful.

The SDF Law was amended to allow the sale of JSDF equipment at prices lower than the JSDF's original purchase price.[28]

Arms exports

India

There are also efforts to sell the ShinMaywa US-2 military flying boats to India.[29][30] They are stalled due to disagreements on price as of 2021.[31]

On October 15, 2022, Tokyo announced that they will sell the "Unicorn" stealth antenna technology to the Indian military.[32]

Indonesia

Japan plans to export four Mogami-class frigates to Indonesia, with another four to be built in Indonesia under ¥300 billion contract.[33]

Philippines

The JMSDF planned to lease at least five TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines to conduct maritime patrols.[34][35][36] From November 2016, to November 2017, six Philippine Navy pilots were trained to fly the aircraft at Tokushima Airport. Maintenance staff were also trained.[37][38][39] Two aircraft were transferred free of charge in March 2017,[40] and three more were to be transferred in 2018.[41] The aircraft were ultimately donated rather than leased.[42]

The Ground Self-Defense Force retired its UH-1H helicopters in 2012. The Philippines had planned to buy 16 new Bell 412 EPI helicopters from Canada, but the deal collapsed. Canada was concerned about how the helicopters would be used.[43] In 2017, Japan offered to supply around 40,000 spare parts for UH-1H aircraft to the Philippines.[44][45] In 2018 it was announced that Japan would supply the parts to the Philippines free of charge.[46] In March 2019, it was reported that an initial delivery of parts to the Philippine Air Force had been made and more parts were to arrive in August 2019.[47]

According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Philippines is the first ASEAN nation to get military equipment from Japan.[48]

On October 4, 2022, it was announced that an aerial surveillance radar under a contract by Mitsubishi Electric Corp has been completed and will be delivered.[49]

New Zealand

New Zealand expressed interest in the Kawasaki C-2 aircraft and the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft.[50] New Zealand chose the P-8 Poseidon rather than the Kawasaki P-1.[51]

Thailand

In 2016, efforts to sell an air-defense radar manufactured by Mitsubishi to Thailand were unsuccessful.[52][53]

United Arab Emirates

There are attempts to sell the C-2 to the United Arab Emirates.[54][55][56]

United States

Two retired MH-53E helicopters of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force were sold to the United States Navy in 2015 for their components. The United States was running short of parts for its own fleet of the aging aircraft.[57][58]

On December 24, 2018, it was announced that Tokyo was seriously considering selling their F-15s to Washington in order to acquire funds to purchase F-35s.[59] Washington would consider selling the F-15s to friendly countries with weak air forces.[59]

Vietnam

In 2020, Japan successfully secured a trade agreement with Vietnam, allowing for the export of Japanese military equipment.[60]

Notes

  1. ^ 数研出版編集部 『新課程 4ステージ演習ノート 現代社会 解答編』 数研出版、2012年、18頁。ISBN 978-4-410-30103-2
  2. ^ 武器輸出三原則－その現況と見直し論議－ (PDF). 調査と情報-Issue Brief- (in Japanese). National Diet Library (726). November 1, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c "Japan's Policies on the Control of Arms Exports". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. 2014.
  4. ^ Redmond, Derek (2003). "Mitsubishi Military Jeep Photos". The CJ3B Page. Archived from the original on March 29, 2010. Retrieved August 18, 2008.
  5. ^ Redmond, Derek (2003). "CJ3B-J4 Military Jeeps in Vietnam". The CJ3B Page. Archived from the original on April 1, 2010. Retrieved August 18, 2008.
  6. ^ a b Havens 1987, p. 98
  7. ^ Large, Stephen S. (1998). Shōwa Japan: 1952–1973. ISBN 978-0-415-14322-6.
  8. ^ "ROCAF F-104 Retirement". TaiwanAirPower.org. August 24, 2005. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  9. ^ "Preserved in Taiwan". International F-104 Society. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  10. ^ Peitzmeier, Hubert. "Republic of China Air Force F-104 serial numbers". 916-starfighter.de. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  11. ^ "Chronological Listing of RoCAF Losses & Ejections". Project Get Out and Walk. May 22, 2007. Archived from the original on September 30, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  12. ^ "Japan Drone conversion" (PDF). Aviation Society Twenthe. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 30, 2017. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  13. ^ a b c "Provision of Patrol Vessels to Indonesia". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  14. ^ "国際協力支援艇｜建造実績｜墨田川造船株式会社". www.sumidagawa.co.jp. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  15. ^ "Japan's Democracy Diplomacy" (PDF). German Marshall Fund.
  16. ^ "Sumidagawa Shipyard Co.,ltd". www.sumidagawa.co.jp. Retrieved May 11, 2021.
  17. ^ a b Bosack, Michael (June 10, 2017). "What Did Japan Learn in South Sudan?". The Diplomat. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  18. ^ "Contribution in Kind to the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)" (Press release). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. February 10, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  19. ^ "South Korea to return ammunition provided by Japan". The Japan Times. December 27, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  20. ^ Fackler, Martin (April 1, 2014). "Japan Ends Decades-Long Ban on Export of Weapons". The New York Times. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  21. ^ Takenaka, Kiyoshi (April 1, 2014). "Japan relaxes arms export regime to fortify defense". Reuters. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  22. ^ "武器輸出、包括容認へ 政府が新原則を閣議決定". The Nikkei (in Japanese). April 1, 2014.
  23. ^ "The Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology" (Press release). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. April 1, 2014.
  24. ^ "Australia Likely To Buy Subs From Japan". DefenseWorld.net. September 27, 2012. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  25. ^ "Japanese Media Now Openly Talking about Japan-Australia Soryu Deal". Asia Security Watch. New Pacific Institute. February 17, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  26. ^ "PM pledges £178 billion investment in defence kit" (Press release). HM Government. November 23, 2015.
  27. ^ "National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review" (PDF). HM Government. November 23, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  28. ^ "Digest Part III: Initiatives to Protect the Lives and Property of the People as well as Securing the Territorial Land, Water and Airspace; Chapter 1: Effective Deterrence and Response" (PDF). Defense of Japan 2017. Ministry of Defense of Japan. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 7, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  29. ^ Sen, Sudhi Ranjan (September 2, 2014). "For First Time Since World War 2, Japan Will Sell Military Equipment. To India". NDTV. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  30. ^ Chandra, Atul (September 4, 2014). "India looks to acquire 18 ShinMaywa US-2 amphibians". Flightglobal. Bangalore: Reed Business Information. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  31. ^ "Despite defense buildup, Japan's arms industry struggles | the Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis".
  32. ^ "Japan to export to India stealth antennas equipped on new destroyer".
  33. ^ "Japan plans to export MSDF destroyer to Indonesia". The Japan Times. November 5, 2020. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  34. ^ Mogato, Manuel (March 9, 2016). "Philippines to lease planes from Japan to patrol disputed sea". Reuters. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  35. ^ Dancel, Raul (May 4, 2016). "Japan leasing 5 military aircraft to Philippines". The Straits Times. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  36. ^ Laude, Jaime (October 26, 2016). "Japan to lease 5 surveillance aircraft to Philippines". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 27, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  37. ^ "Japan to train Philippine naval pilots to fly TC-90 aircraft under lease deal". The Japan Times. November 22, 2016. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  38. ^ Pendatun, Ihrilyn (December 13, 2016). "Philippine Navy: First Japanese Aircraft TC-90 To Arrive In The Philippines In 2017". International Business Times. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  39. ^ Thompson, Paul. "JMSDF Commences Philippine Navy TC-90 Training". J-HangarSpace. Archived from the original on March 3, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
  40. ^ "村川海上幕僚長、フィリピン公式訪問で無償譲渡したTC-90を視察". Fly Team (in Japanese). November 30, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  41. ^ "Philippines receives final three TC-90 aircraft from Japan". Naval Today. March 26, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  42. ^ Mangosing, Frances (March 26, 2018). "PH Navy gets 3 trainer aircraft from Japan". Inquirer.net. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  43. ^ Mogato, Manuel (May 7, 2018). "Philippines seeks parts from Japan for "Huey" helicopters". Reuters. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  44. ^ Kelly, Tim; Kubo, Nobuhiro (August 10, 2017). "Exclusive: Japan seeks Southeast Asia clout with chopper parts for Philippines military – sources". Reuters. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  45. ^ Parameswaran, Prashanth (May 9, 2018). "What's in the New Japan-Philippines Military Helicopter Deal Chatter?". The Diplomat. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  46. ^ Grevatt, Jon (June 3, 2018). "Japan agrees to supply UH-1H parts to Philippines". Jane's 360. Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on June 7, 2018. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  47. ^ Nepomuceno, Priam (March 19, 2019). "Spare parts donation from Japan to boost PAF Huey fleet". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  48. ^ Nepomuceno, Priam (March 20, 2019). "PH first ASEAN nation to get excess Japanese defense equipment". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  49. ^ "Japan completes radar unit for delivery to the Philippines | the Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis".
  50. ^ "Japan in talks with New Zealand for defense aircraft". Nikkei Asian Review. January 3, 2017. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  51. ^ Greenfield, Charlotte (July 9, 2018). "New Zealand to buy Boeing P-8 patrol planes to boost South Pacific surveillance". Reuters. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  52. ^ "Tokyo hawks air defense radar to Thailand as Beijing cozies up to Bangkok". The Japan Times. December 23, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  53. ^ "防衛省、タイ空軍の警戒管制レーダー入札できず 他国製の導入で". Fly Team (in Japanese). July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  54. ^ "Dubai Airshow 2021: Japan promotes C-2 to Middle East".
  55. ^ "UAE reportedly lining up Kawasaki C-2 buy". Jane's 360. August 29, 2017. Archived from the original on July 28, 2018.
  56. ^ Brasor, Philip (December 2, 2017). "Japan's plan to export arms is lacking ammo". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on December 3, 2017. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
  57. ^ Hixenbaugh, Mike (May 28, 2015). "U.S. Navy buys old helicopters from Japan for spare parts". The Virginian-Pilot. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  58. ^ Shalal, Andrea (May 27, 2015). "U.S. to buy parts for MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopters from Japan". Reuters. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  59. ^ a b "Japan wants to sell old F-15s to US to fund F-35 purchases". Nikkei Asian Review. December 24, 2018.
  60. ^ Wozniak, Jakub (October 20, 2020). "Japan and Vietnam Reach Agreement on Arms Exports to Vietnam". Overt Defense.

References

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